'The Creature' making his reputation in midair

Catherine Howard, Special to The Chronicle

Published 4:00 am, Friday, January 30, 2004

He broke out of the gate with 47 points in his first game of the season. He dunks regularly in one of the toughest leagues in the Bay Area. His appearance and overall game have earned him the nickname "The Creature."

The Titans began the season 6-3, but since an 81-74 loss to Tennyson at the Stonebarger Tournament in Brentwood, they have crashed back to earth.

"Newark Memorial is like a junior college team," said JFK coach Dave Domelle of the MVAL team that's ranked third in the Bay Area by The Chronicle. "I honestly think they can beat a weak junior college team."

That might be a way of explaining why Kennedy lost to the Cougars 91-59 on Jan. 14. But Washington drilled the Titans 90-65.

"It's about defensive intensity. We need it every night, and sometimes it is not there," Domelle said.

As for offensive intensity, Thomas has it.

He is averaging 22 points and eight rebounds a game. He can also get above the rim with the best of them.

"I think I have a dunk in just about every game this year. It's a fun thing to do. I was dunking in sixth grade and dunked in a game in eighth grade, " he said.

Others have noticed his high-flying skills and his almost NBA-like body.

"We were up in Sacramento and a coach saw him and called him 'The Creature', " Domelle said. "The guy has no body fat. He lifts weights, he got stronger over the summer. He just has explosive hops."

Domelle said Thomas' game reminds him of Jason Richardson of the Golden State Warriors and that he has that kind of finely tuned body as well. One particular play -- Thomas soared above everyone to grab an offensive rebound and score against Mission San Jose on Jan. 9 -- remains a mental highlight for the JFK coach.

"He came out of nowhere. His chest and shoulders were even with the rim it seemed," said Domelle.

Asked to define his skills or how he breaks down defenses, Thomas had a simple answer.

"I just look at their feet and go. I read the defense and go. It all happens pretty fast," he said. "It's like I take what they give me.

"You can tell he gets frustrated sometimes. He gets ticked off and that can mean a little letdown on defense. But he's improving (there)," Domelle said.